Rough night at the office for Freddy Peralta and the Mets

Jun 9, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Nathan Church (27) reacts in front of New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) after a double during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Mets began their homestand on a sour note, falling the the Cardinals 7-0 at Citi Field. Six of those seven runs were surrendered by Freddy Peralta (four of them in a single inning), who had one of his worst starts of the season. Meanwhile, the Mets failed to get anything of substance going against Dustin May, failing to capitalize on opportunities, as has been the case so often this season.

After a relatively easy first inning for both pitchers, AJ Ewing laced a one-out double in the second to become the Mets’ first baserunner. Ewing would go on to be the only Met to have a multi-hit game this evening. A passed ball by rookie catcher Jimmy Crooks advanced Ewing to third, but May struck out Marcus Semien and Brett Baty back-to-back to neutralize the early threat.

The Cardinals then proceeded to drop a four spot on Freddy Peralta in the third. Peralta walked Nolan Gorman to lead off the inning and then Nathan Church doubled to put runners at second and third and nobody out. Rookie JJ Wetherholt then laced a single to score both runners and put the Cardinals on the board. Peralta then hit Iván Herrera with the a pitch before finally striking out Alec Burleson for the first out of the inning. But Jordan Walker then doubled to score Wetherholt and extend the Cardinals lead to 3-0. Lars Nootbaar then hit a grounder to second and Marcus Semien appropriately looked the runners back before throwing to first base, but Iván Herrera broke home on the throw anyway and beat out the play at the plate to make it 4-0 Cardinals.

The Mets had at least one runner on base in each of the next two innings, giving them a chance to chip away, but failed to capitalize each time. In his first at-bat back from the injured list, Francisco Alvarez singled with one out in the third, but was unfortunately promptly erased on a double play by Carson Benge. Juan Soto broke an 0-for-16 skid with a one-out single in the fourth for the Mets’ third hit. Jared Young threatened to end that rally with a double play as well, but the Mets challenged the out call at first base and the call was overturned, placing Young safely at first base. Marcus Semien then gave one a ride, but Nathan Church made an excellent basket catch on the warning track in center field after getting turned around multiple times before the ball found its way into his glove.

The Cardinals added to their lead further in the fifth when Iván Herrera blooped a one-out single in front of A.J. Ewing, who broke back initially and then couldn’t recover in time as the ball dropped in front of him—a rare miscue for Ewing in center field. Alec Burleson made the Mets pay by launching a two-run homer over the left-center field wall to extend the Cardinals’ lead to 6-0. Despite elevated pitch counts, both starting pitchers got through six innings. The Cardinals tacked on yet another run against Joey Gerber in the seventh in the form of back-to-back doubles by Herrera, who reached base five times on the night for the first time in his career, and Burleson. The Mets clearly intended to ask Gerber to finish the game, but after coming out to the mound for his third inning of work in the ninth, he returned to the dugout with the trainer to tend to what appeared to be a blister. Cionel Pérez pitched the top of the ninth for the Mets instead and he delivered a scoreless frame.

Justin Bruihl pitched two scoreless innings in relief of May and Matt Svanson finished things off with a scoreless ninth for the Cardinals, as the Mets were shut out for the fourth time this season.

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Win Probability Added

What’s WPA?

Big Mets winner: A.J. Ewing, +9% WPA
Big Mets loser: Freddy Peralta, -29% WPA
Mets pitchers: -29% WPA
Mets hitters: -21% WPA
Teh aw3s0mest play: A.J. Ewing’s one-out double in the bottom of the second, +4.4% WPA
Teh sux0rest play: Nathan Church’s double in the top of the third, -11.9% WPA

How did Dodgers fare against Pirates ace Paul Skenes?

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been rolling lately and took their momentum into Pittsburgh to test themselves against the Pirates and starting pitcher Paul Skenes.

Skenes has been one of the best pitchers in baseball so far this season, tied for fifth with 89 strikeouts. Teams hardly score when's on the mound, his WHIP at 0.91, third best in MLB.

The 24-year-old, Southern California native grew up in Orange County as a Los Angeles Angels fan. Historically, whenever Skenes goes against the "Boys in Blue," he's dominated. Skenes entered Tuesday with a 3-1 career record in four appearances against the Dodgers with an ERA of 2.70 and 33 strikeouts.

During their June 9 meeting, Skenes delivered seven strikeouts, including one against Shohei Ohtani. In six innings, he allowed six hits and two runs in 103 pitches.

The Pirates took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning on back-to-back solo home runs from Bryan Reynolds and Ryan O'Hearn. Reynolds went yard, sending it 422 feet out of the park, while O'Hearn blasted his 355 feet.

The Dodgers' first score of the game came in the second inning. The sequence began with Mookie Betts, who hit a double to center field. Max Muncy followed with a single to right field as Betts advanced to third. LA scored a run thanks to a sacrifice fly that Kyle Tucker hit to center field.

The Dodgers later tied the game after a Muncy single found a gap and bounced right past Pirates' second baseman Brandon Lowe straight into right field. Muncy was awarded an RBI as Freddie Freeman scored in the sixth inning.

That inning marked the end of Skenes' night. He was relieved for Wilber Dotel. The score was tied 2-2 as Skenes left the game.

Dodgers light up Pirates bullpen in closing innings

The Dodgers were relatively quiet throughout the game with Skenes on the mound. But LA began to find motion at the plate once Skenes was relieved. It was open season and Dotel was the victim.

The Dodgers exploited the Pittsburgh bullpen with 10 runs in the seventh inning.

Among the highlights of the inning: Freddie Freeman hit a milestone, cracking his 2,500th hit.

Dodgers missing starting catcher

The Dodgers were without starting All-Star catcher Will Smith against Pittsburgh.

Smith remained out of the Dodgers' lineup during Tuesday's matchup with the Pirates. He has been out since Saturday's game against the Angels with a stiff neck, according to Sports Illustrated's Noah Camras.

Dave Roberts said he was expected back on Sunday but Smith didn't play. The Dodgers had a day off Monday.

Paul Skenes stats vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Here is the final look at Paul Skenes' pitching performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers:

  • Innings pitched: 6
  • Hits allowed: 6
  • Runs allowed: 2
  • Earned Runs allowed: 2
  • Walks: 2
  • Strikeouts: 7
  • Pitch Count: 103
  • Strikes Thrown: 62

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Paul Skenes vs. Dodgers: Stats for Pirates ace

St. Louis Cardinals Bats Clobber the Big Apple Easily Beating the Mets

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 09: Alec Burleson #41 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates with Jordan Walker #18 of the St. Louis Cardinals after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on June 09, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Dustin May tossed a gem and he finally got the run support he deserves as the St. Louis Cardinals and their bats made a loud entrance into the Big Apple as they beat the New York Mets Tuesday night.

I’m delighted to tell you that it will take awhile to explain how the Cardinals jumped out to an early lead against the Mets Tuesday night. The fun didn’t really get started until the top of the 3rd inning when Nolan Gorman led off with a walk. That, in and of itself, is a victory. Nathan Church followed that with a double that trickled down the left field line as Gorman advanced to third and Church sped into second. JJ Wetherholt decided it was time that the St. Louis Cardinals finally start taking better advantage of runners in scoring position as he whacked a single to right-center scoring both Gorman and Church.

After Ivan Herrera was hit by a pitch (again…don’t even get me started), Alec Burleson struck out (which he would more than redeem himself for later), Jordan Walker crushed a 88 mph changeup to left for a double scoring JJ Wetherholt with Herrera advancing to third (which would be important soon). That gave St. Louis a 3-0 lead.

St. Louis would add one more run in a sneaky way before the top of the 3rd inning ended as Lars Nootbaar grounded out to second, but Herrera made a delayed break for home and scored on the play making it 4-0 Cardinals.

In the top of the 5th inning, St. Louis would continue to pile on the Mets. After Ivan Herrera singled on a misjudgment by the Mets centerfielder Ewing, it was Alec Burleson went the other way with a 78 mph curveball that didn’t curve enough as he launched it over the left field wall for a 2-run homer giving the Cardinals a commanding 6-0 lead.

I’ve shared a lot about the St. Louis Cardinals offense Tuesday night and for good reason, but it needs to be said that Dustin May was dealing. He didn’t really allow the Mets to get any kind of momentum other than the bottom of the 4th inning when he allowed two singles and then Nathan Church made a catch in deep center where he did one of the best tornado impressions you’ll ever see. Dustin gave St. Louis a strong 6 innings tossing 101 pitches allowing only 4 hits while striking out 6 and walking just 1 with no earned runs. Brilliant.

If you thought that the St. Louis Cardinals would surely have just coasted the rest of the game, you would be wrong. The Cardinals would continue the scoring parade as Ivan Herrera led off the top of the 7th inning with a line drive to right field that the Mets Carson Benge seemed to dive too far for as the ball went over his glove to the outfield wall. Herrera was only able to turn it into a double as a triple would have been rubbing it in apparently. He still scored, though, as Alec Burleson continued his great night with a double into the right field corner scoring Herrera giving the Cardinals a touchdown lead of 7-0. Extra point is good!

Nathan Church made the most of his return to the active roster as he went 3 for 4 Tuesday night. Ivan Herrera also had 3 hits and Alec Burleson now has a 9-game hitting streak.

Justin Bruihl was the Cardinals bullpen answer for the 7th and 8th inning Tuesday night. He had a drama-free outing which is nice to be able to say. Matt Svanson was tasked with being the Cardinals “closer” and had no problems keeping the Mets from doing anything positive (from a Mets perspective).

The St. Louis Cardinals will try to win the series against the New York Mets Wednesday night as Andre Pallante takes the mound for St. Louis. The Mets will ask Christian Scott to try and stop the Cardinals. Good luck with that, Mr. Scott. You’ll need it. First pitch is set for 6:10pm central time as the game broadcast will be handled by Cardinals.tv.

Freddy Peralta hit hard, offense non-existent in Mets' 7-0 loss to Cardinals

The Mets lost to the Cardinals, 7-0, in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday night at Citi Field.


Here are the takeaways...

- After two sharp innings, Freddy Peralta unraveled in the third.

He started the frame by walking No. 8 hitter Nolan Gorman before giving up a double down the left field line to Nathan Church. JJ Wetherholt then ripped the first pitch he saw from Peralta into center field for a two-run single to make it 2-0 St. Louis.

After Peralta hit Ivan Herrera with a pitch and struck out Alec Burleson, Jordan Walker doubled to bring in the Cardinals' third run of the inning. Then, on a ground out, Herrera used a delayed break home and got in just under the tag of Francisco Alvarez to increase the Cardinals' lead to 4-0.

The issues continued for Peralta in the fifth inning, when he served up a two-run homer to Burleson to make it 6-0 St. Louis.

Overall, Peralta allowed six runs on six hits while walking two, hitting two, and striking out five. He threw 98 pitches, with 58 going for strikes. His ERA for the season rose to 4.04.

- The Mets had a chance in the fourth inning with runners on first and second and two outs. Marcus Semien drilled a 101 mph fly ball 401 feet to center field, but it landed in the glove of Church, who made a basket catch to save two runs.

- Cardinals starter Dustin May shut down the Mets' offense, firing six shutout innings while allowing just four hits, walking one, and striking out six.

May entered Tuesday's start with a 4.59 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, though his 3.36 FIP suggested he was getting a bit unlucky on balls in play. 

- In his first game back from the IL, Alvarez ripped a single to center field his first time up. He finished 1-for-3.

- Juan Soto, who had been mired in an 0-for-16 slump, lined a single to center field in the fourth inning.

- A.J. Ewing stayed hot, going 2-for-4 with a double and single to extend his hitting streak to six games.

Highlights

What's next

The Mets and Cardinals continue their series on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

Christian Scott gets the start against Andre Pallante.

NBA doesn't assess Spurs' Victor Wembanyama a retroactive flagrant foul after shove of Jalen Brunson

The NBA has ruled that Spurs star Victor Wembanyama will not be assessed a flagrant foul for his actions in Monday's Game 3 win over the Knicks.

The league determined that Wembanyama's shove of Knicks guard Jalen Brunsondid not meet their criteria for the center to be assessed a flagrant foul retroactively. 

 

Wembanyama and the Spurs dodged what could have been a series-shifting moment. If the Spurs center were assessed a flagrant-1 foul, he would be one flagrant foul away from a mandatory one-game suspension in the NBA Finals after he was given a flagrant-2 foul after he threw an elbow on the Timberwolves' Naz Reid in the second round of the playoffs.

The NBA's ruling is not unexpected, and eyes will be on Game 4 to see how tightly the game will be officiated after Knicks head coach Mike Brown criticized the officiating after Game 3 and guard Jose Alvarado sent a warning to Wembanyama and the Spurs, saying "that'll be the last one." 

Game 4 will emanate from MSG on Wednesday before the series shifts to San Antonio for Game 5 in San Antonio. 

Hurricanes make massive goaltending shakeup for critical Stanley Cup Final Game 4

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Carolina Hurricanes goalie Brandon Bussi warming up in red and white uniform, holding a hockey stick, Image 2 shows Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes removes his helmet before Game Three of the Stanley Cup Final
Hurricanes

A goalie change is happening in the Stanley Cup Final.

The Hurricanes’ starting goalie, Frederik Andersen, is listed as a healthy scratch — not injured — for Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights, leaving backup Brandon Bussi to make his first career postseason start on Tuesday night. Pyotr Kochetkov was slotted in as the backup as Carolina tries to rally from a 2-1 series deficit.

Andersen was pulled after two periods in Game 3 after allowing four goals on 16 shots.

Bussi came in and was excellent in relief, making 18 saves before allowing a game-losing goal in double overtime after Carolina had rallied from a 4-0 deficit.

Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour was left to choose between the hot hand and the proven commodity.

“We’ll make all the decisions after we practice tomorrow,” Brind’Amour said Sunday. “We’ll see how he’s feeling. I haven’t made any decisions on the lineup, so I can’t tell you.”

Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes takes the net prior to Game 3 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final Getty Images

Andersen has been the go-to for the Hurricanes throughout the playoffs, holding a .910 save percentage and allowing 32 goals through 13 games.

While not the most impressive stats, the high-scoring Hurricanes haven’t needed a brick wall to get by their opponents, scoring at least three times in all but two games so far.

Now, against one of the best counter-attacking teams in the NHL, a .910 is not cutting it.

“You obviously don’t want to give up some of the chances we’ve given up, but overall I thought [Andersen’s] been fine,” Carolina’s coach said. “You ask him to make the saves that he’s got to make, and I think he’s done that. A couple of bad bounces, they are what they are. He’s been solid for us.”

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi (32) warms up prior to Game 3 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

In the regular season, though, it was Bussi who made the majority of starts for Carolina, a fact he reminded fans in Game 3 with his .947 save percentage.

While the former Bruin had not made an NHL playoff start before Tuesday, he did play six postseason games in the AHL with the Providence Bruins, allowing 2.20 goals against per game.

“These are the moments you want to be playing in, right?” Bussi said after Game 3. “Just put my head down and have fun with it. It’s been a fun ride. We’re here for a reason. I’ve practiced hard in case something happened. I’m not rooting for that, but my name was called.”

Rays Reacts Survey: Time to Panic?

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JUNE 08: Yandy Díaz #2 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates a solo home run against the Boston Red Sox in the top of the first inning at Tropicana Field on June 8, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Parker S. Freedman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rays fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Washington Nationals vs San Francisco Giants Game Thread

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 08: CJ Abrams #5 of the Washington Nationals is congratulated by Keibert Ruiz #20 after Abrams scored the go ahead run against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the ninth inning at Oracle Park on June 08, 2026 in San Francisco, California. The Nationals won the game 4-3. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Just when the Nats looked dead in the water, they came back in the 9th with Daylen Lile and CJ Abrams delivering the big hits. Now they will look to carry that momentum into this game where they have a chance to claim another series win. The late night Nats are back in action folks.

Blake Butera is going lefty heavy against Giants starter Adrian Houser, who performs significantly worse against lefties. That means Curtis Mead will be on the bench for Jorbit Vivas. Jose Tena will also get the start at DH. The only true right handed hitter in the lineup today is Jacob Young, who replaces Dylan Crews in center. Drew Millas will get the nod over Keibert Ruiz behind the dish. Andrew Alvarez will be on the mound tonight.

The Giants are making a couple changes at the bottom of their order. Jonah Cox will be in center field over Drew Gilbert. Daniel Susac will do the catching tonight as well. Otherwise it is the same lineup as the one Tony Vitello rolled out yesterday. As mentioned before, veteran Adrian Houser will be on the bump.

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Game Info:

Stadium: Oracle Park

Time: 9:45 PM EST

TV: Nationals.TV

Radio: 106.7 The Fan

Last night was an uplifting win for the Nats, who made a 9th inning comeback for the first time this year. Now they will look to wrap up another series win on the west coast. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!

How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals

MILWAUKEE, WI - JUNE 04: Adrian Houser #12 of the San Francisco Giants pitches in the first inning during the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Thursday, June 4, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Kylie Bridenhagen/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The San Francisco Giants continue this three-game series against the Washington Nationals tonight from Oracle Park.

Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Adrian Houser, who enters tonight’s game with a 5.49 ERA, 5.27 FIP, with 40 strikeouts to 24 walks in 60.2 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 12-9 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, in which he allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits with five strikeouts and three walks in four and a third innings.

He’ll be facing off against Nationals left-hander Andrew Alvarez, who enters tonight’s game with a 3.54 ERA, 3.11 FIP, with 22 strikeouts to six walks in 20.1 innings pitched. His last start was in the Nationals’ 4-1 loss to the Miami Marlins last Wednesday, in which he allowed one run on four hits with five strikeouts and a walk in four and two thirds innings.

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Game #68

Who: San Francisco Giants (27-40) vs. Washington Nationals (34-33)

Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California

When: 6:45 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area

National broadcast: n/a

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM

Karl-Anthony Towns keenly aware of how Knicks cost themselves in Game 3

Karl-Anthony Towns struggles to make a move on Julian Champagnie during the Knicks' Game 3 loss to the Spurs at the Garden.
Karl-Anthony Towns struggles to make a move on Julian Champagnie during the Knicks' Game 3 loss to the Spurs at the Garden.

The Knicks may have overlooked the Spurs after becoming the third road team in NBA Finals history to take the first two games of the series.

At least, that’s what Karl-Anthony suggested was one issue in their Game 3 defeat.

“The details that made us special, we were too relaxed in them, and we didn’t execute them at the level that you guys are used to seeing,” Towns said Tuesday. “So doing that and also just the fundamentals of what our team is and how we play, we didn’t do that for 48 minutes. It’s something that has got us that 13-game winning streak.

Karl-Anthony Towns struggles to make a move on Julian Champagnie during the Knicks’ Game 3 loss to the Spurs at the Garden. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“Playing around with the game against a great team, you’re asking for a disaster, and that’s what we got.”

The Knicks had talked plenty after Game 2 of playing with desperation with a 2-0 series lead and treating the Finals like the series was 0-0. They had done a remarkable job of handling success and avoiding complacency throughout the franchise record playoff win streak.

But they lacked that sense of urgency in the first Finals game at MSG in 27 years.

They started each half poorly. The Spurs scored the game’s first seven points and led by double figures after just 4:26. The Knicks recovered to build a seven-point lead at halftime, only to see San Antonio start the third quarter just like the first stanza, ripping off a 15-4 burst.

“I just saw us not executing the little details that made us special,” Towns said. “The game they brought to MSG yesterday, we didn’t meet their level.”

It manifested itself in the Knicks allowing a playoff-high 115 points and producing a playoff-low 18 assists.

They also committed 13 turnovers, many of them unforced, leading to 21 Spurs points.

Team captain Jalen Brunson echoed Towns that the Knicks were lacking when it came to minor things. One of them was sending the Spurs to the free-throw line 32 times.

While coach Mike Brown was critical of the officiating — the Knicks attempted 10 fewer free throws than the Spurs — Brunson didn’t use that as an excuse Tuesday.

“There’s a way for us to do things we have to do, the things that we’ve done throughout these playoffs,” he said. “They’re just game plan discipline. I don’t think the discipline we had in those situations were good enough. We just got to be disciplined in those moments.”

Golden Knights, Hurricanes Tied 3-3 After Two Periods In Game 4 Of Stanley Cup Final

The Vegas Golden Knights dug themselves out of a hole in the second period Tuesday night, as they overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 4 in the Stanley Cup Final and will head into the third period deadlocked at 3-3.

Carolina looked much more like a team playing with a sense of urgency in need of a win in the first period than what Vegas should have looked like, a team playing with a 2-1 series lead and the intent to squeeze the life out of its opponent.

The Hurricanes switched goaltenders, going with Brandon Bussi in favor of Frederik Andersen, who was a healthy scratch after starting the 16 previous playoff games for Carolina. Pyotr Kochetkov was in as the backup.

Carolina outshot the Golden Knights in the first, 14-6, and controlled the tempo from the opening puck drop.

The Hurricanes got things going early with two quick goals inside the first four minutes of the opening period. First, it was Logan Stankoven at the 1:06 mark, and then it was Jackson Blake at the 3:28 mark.

Stone cut the Hurricanes' lead in half midway through the first thanks to a beauty of a stretch pass from Shea Theodore, who stitched a pass across three lines and through five different players. Stone then faked, deked and slithered to his right to beat Bussi to make it 2-1 Carolina.

The Hurricanes would take advantage of a power play, as captain Jordan Staal tapped home Shayne Gostisbehere rebound from the top to make it 3-1.

Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb buried a shot at the horn, but the puck crossed the goal line just after the clock hit 0.0, leaving Carolina with a 3-1 lead.

The Knights continued their second-period dominance in the series when Karlsson took a pass from fellow Swede Rasmus Andersson at the left circle and beat Bussi to make it a 3-2 game just 4:22 in.

Then, with a little less than three left in the period, it was Howden with a nifty goal from the left circle for his 14th of the playoffs to tie the game at 3-all.

The Golden Knights have outscored teams 25-11 in the second period during the postseason, including an incredible 9-1 in the Cup Final.

PHOTO CAPTION

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) scores against Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Brandon Bussi (32) during the 1st period in game four of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena.

Freddie Freeman 7th player to get 2,500th hit while with Dodgers

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 09: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers records his 2,500th hit in the seventh inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 9, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Freddie Freeman singled in the seventh inning on Tuesday night at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, giving him 2,500 career hits, the 102nd player in MLB history to reach that milestone.

No. 2,500 for Freeman was hit off Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Brandan Bidois, and RBI single that brought home the Dodgers’ 10th run of a very long inning.

Freeman, who doubled earlier in the game off Paul Skenes, has been hot of late, hitting .357/.429/.686 with six home runs and five doubles over his last 18 games.

This milestone comes almost three years after Freeman collected his 2,000th hit, an RBI double off Houston Astros right-hander Ryan Montero on June 25, 2023 at Dodger Stadium. With the Dodgers, Freeman also hit his 300th career home run (on May 18, 2023 in St. Louis), his 400th double (July 28, 2022 in Denver), and his 500th double (August 6, 2024 at home against the Philadelphia Phillies), the 10th-youngest player to reach the latter milestone.

Freeman is the active MLB leader in career hits, doubles (563), runs scored (1,414), RBI (1,358), extra-base hits (974), and total bases (4,262).

Since signing with the Dodgers in 2022, Freeman has 796 hits, second in the majors during that span, behind only Luis Arráez. Of the 102 players with at least 2,500 career hits, only seven have collected their 2,500th hit while playing for the Dodgers. Freeman is the first to do so since Manny Ramírez on April 10, 2010.

PlayerDateAgeOpponentPitcherInningHit
Zach WheatMay 12, 192536.354RedsEppa Rixey7thdouble
Max CareyJun 29, 192737.169at PhilliesAlex Ferguson3rdsingle
Heinie ManushSep 21, 193736.063at CardinalsNorbert Kleinke7thsingle
Eddie MurraySep 30, 199135.218PadresDennis Rasmussen3rdsingle
Luis GonzalezSep 21, 200740.018at D-backsBob Wickman7thsingle
Manny RamírezApr 10, 201037.315at MarlinsJosh Johnson5thsingle
Freddie FreemanJun 9, 202636.270at PiratesBrandan Bidois7thsingle

In Freeman’s career, 1,305 of his 2,500 hits (52.3 percent) have come on the road. He has 1,794 hits against right-handed pitchers, and 706 hits against left-handers.

Freeman now has 89 career hits against the Pirates, and has 39 career hits in 38 career games at PNC Park.

Astros vs. Angels Game Discussion: 6/9/2026

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 06: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros reacts after hitting a grand slam in the second inning during a game against the Athletics at Daikin Park on June 06, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (31-37) continue a six-game road trip with the second game of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels tonight at Angel Stadium (25-42).

RHP Kai-Wei Teng (3-4, 3.06 ERA) will be on the mound for the Astros, opposite RHP Walbert Ureña (3-4, 2.68 ERA) and the Halos. The Astros have won 11 of their last 17 games.

MY WAY OR THE KAI-WEI: RHP Kai-Wei Teng has split his season between the bullpen (13g) and rotation (6 starts), posting a 3.06 ERA (16ER/47IP), a .204 opponent average, and a 1.17 WHIP.

Teng is new to the Astros organization, as he was acquired from San Francisco on Jan. 29, 2026 in exchange for minor league catching prospect Jancel Villarroel. A native of Taiwan, Teng is the second Taiwanese-born player to appear with the Astros in their history, joining RHP Chia Jen-Lo, who made 19 relief appearances with the Astros in 2013.

ROAD TRIP: Tonight is the second game of six game road trip for the Astros. The Astros are facing the Angels for a three-game series before traveling to Kansas City to face the Royals for another three-game series.

The Astros are 15-18 on the road this season and went 7-3 on their last road trip.

THE LAST 23: Since May 15, the Astros are 14-9 thanks in large part to their pitching, which has produced a 3.54 ERA (81ER/206IP) and a .195 opponent average, which ranks second in the Majors in that span. Their bullpen has been even better in those last 23 games, working to a 2.75 ERA (24ER/78.2IP) and posting a league-best .165 opponent average.

MAKING THE PLAYS: The Astros have committed the fewest errors in the AL (25) and have posted the best fielding percentage (.989) in the AL, topping the Royals (.988).

Among all Major League teams, only the Padres (20) and Dodgers (22) have committed fewer errors than the Astros.

IN THE CLUTCH: C Christian Vázquez is batting .423 (11×26) with 10 runs, four doubles, 14 RBI and a 1.077 OPS (.500 OBP / .577 SLG) with runners in scoring position this season. In the AL, he ranks tied for fourth in batting average, sixth in OPS and sixth in on-base percentage with runners in scoring position (min. 25 PA).

TODAY’S ROSTER MOVE: The Astros placed IF/OF LaMonte Wade Jr. on the 10-day IL due to a right hamstring strain. To take his place on the active roster, the Astros recalled OF Joey Loperfido from Triple A Sugar Land.

VS. THE HALOS: The Astros and Angels are facing each other for the second time this season.. The last time was on Opening Weekend at Daikin Park, where the two teams split the four-game series.

The Astros went 8-5 against the Angels last season, including a 4-2 record at Angel Stadium. The Astros own a 141-90 all-time record against the Angels, including a 67-46 record at Angel Stadium.

ON THE LEADERBOARD: DH Yordan Alvarez leads the Majors in OPS (1.066), and total bases (154) and leads the AL in home runs (22). Also in the AL, he ranks tied for first in RBI (48), tied for first in extra-base hits (35), second in OBP (.427), second in SLG (.639), tied for second in hits (75), third in batting average (.311), fourth in runs (46), and fourth in walks (45).

ON THE MEND: C Yainer Diaz will begin a rehab assignment with Triple A Sugar Land.

RHP Cristian Javier had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple A Sugar Land, where he will start tonight.

AL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Yesterday, OF Yordan Alvarez was named the AL Player of the Week for the week of June 1-7.

For the week, he batted .476 (10×21) with 6 runs, 1 double, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 5 walks and a 1.386 OPS. This marked his second AL Player of the Week award this season, also won for the week March 30-April 5.

HIT PAREDES: IF Isaac Paredes is one double away from recording his 100th career double. He is looking to become just the 4th Mexican-born player in MLB history with 500 career hits, 100 doubles and 100 home runs, joining IF Vinny Castilla, IF Jorge Orta and IF Aurelio Rodríguez.

WALKER, TEXAS HAMMER: 1B Christian Walker ranks tied for first in the AL in RBI with teammate DH Yordan Alvarez (48).

Walker also ranks fourth in the AL in total bases (125), tied for fourth in extra-base hits (29), fourth in total bases (125), tied for seventh in home runs (16) and 10th in SLG (.500).

In the field, Walker has not committed an error in 66 games.

TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2019 – DH Yordan Alvarez went 1×3 with a 2-run home run to center field in the 4th inning. At the time of his debut, he became the seventh Astro in club history to homer in his Major League debut. Alvarez went on to win 2019 AL Rookie of the Year honors.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Tuesday, June 9, 8:38 p.m. CT

Location: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, CA

TV: Space City Home Network

Radio: KTRH 740 AM, KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)

Rick Pitino’s thoughts on NBA Finals Game 3 officiating

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Basketball coach Rick Pitino reacting during the NCAA Sweet Sixteen game

Legendary basketball coach Rick Pitino has some thoughts on the officiating in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Pitino appeared on The Post’s “Schein Time” on Tuesday, the morning after attending Game 3, which the Knicks dropped to the Spurs 115-111.

“It was unreal,” Pitino said of the fans at MSG Monday night. “The fans were up. I’d say I was on my feet for 90% of the game, and that’s the type of magic it was.”

Rick Pitino reacts during St. John’s loss to Duke in the Sweet 16 in March. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

On a less positive note, there’s been some controversy surrounding the officiating.

Postgame, Knicks head coach Mike Brown commented on the free throw disparity, as the Spurs took three times as many free throws as the Knicks did in the second half.

Pitino sees the complaints and understands them.

“Look, there were a couple of plays where I was like, OK, that’s the wrong call. And I’m a die-hard Knicks fan. … I credit San Antonio. I didn’t think the Knicks played their game.

“I got the sense watching it live that Mike Brown wanted to either shift the conversation or kind of go Phil Jackson on everyone and let the officials know for next game, hey, we want some calls at home.”

Pitino also credited the Spurs’ physicality for helping them escape with a close win in Game 3, especially in a raucous environment like that of MSG, which was hosting its first Finals game since 1999.

“I think San Antonio last night knew what to do to win that game from a coaching standpoint, strategy standpoint, that was extremely physical…It was a game like it was when I was coaching the Knicks. It was back then they allowed physicality.”

The Knicks look to win their first NBA Finals game on their home floor in 25 years tomorrow, with tipoff at 8:30 pm.

Game #67: Brewers at Athletics Game Thread

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 08: Nick Kurtz #16 of the Athletics hits a home run in the 10th inning during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Athletics at Las Vegas Ballpark on Monday, June 8, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

How will these two teams follow up last night’s homer barrage? We’re about to find out as the A’s take on the Brewers for the second of three tonight in Las Vegas, looking to right the ship and get back in the win column on a hot spring evening in a Triple-A ballpark. The A’s have fallen to 31-35 and now sit 3 1/2 back of the Mariners in the AL West and they’ve fallen out of a Wild Card spot. Time to get out groove back, and quickly.

The starter tonight will be right-hander J.T. Ginn, who’s getting the call for his 12th start of the season. The 27-year-old continues to be on an absolute roll in what is shaping up to be his breakout year. In his past six starts he’s allowed just six runs spanning 36 1/3 frames. Overall on the year he has a 2.74 ERA but an even better 2.45 as a starting pitcher. Can Ginn, a groundball specialist, keep the ball in the park tonight? Tonight is a difficult test for any pitcher but if anyone can post a good line tonight in the hot desert weather it’s Ginn.

Here’s how the Athletics will line up for tonight’s contest:

No Brent Rooker tonight as he heads to the bench. With a lefty on the opposing mound manager Mark Kotsay is filling tonight’s lineup with lots of right-handed hitters, starting with right fielder/leadoff man Colby Thomas. He’ll be followed by Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers (tonight’s DH), Tyler Soderstrom and the recently-activated Max Muncy, who gets the second straight start at the hot corner tonight after going just 1-for-5 in his first game back.

The bottom half of the lineup is all right-handed hitters. With Langeliers DH’ing tonight it’ll be Jonah Heim behind the plate catching Ginn and the bullpen this evening. Henry Bolte seems to be your everyday center fielder at this point so no surprise to see him in there behind Heim. And then Zack Gelof gets the second straight nod at second base again, keeping left-hander Jeff McNeil on the bench. Alika Williams brings up the rear manning shortstop and batting ninth.

That starting nine will be facing Brewers lefty Robert Glasser. The 27-year-old has been one of the Brewers’ top pitching prospects in recent years but had Tommy John surgery in June 2024 that had kept him on the shelf for a year-plus. He’s finally healthy and in the Brewers’ rotation but has only made three starts, allowing seven runs in 13 1/3 innings of work so far. He is coming off a five-inning, one-run performance last time out against the Giants but they’ve struggled offensively all year, the A’s have bigger bats and we’re playing in a minor league park. Those three things aren’t exactly favoring a low-scoring performance tonight for Gasser.

And Milwaukee’s lineup for tonight’s contest:

More or less the same lineup as last night, and after that performance why change things up if your Brewers skipper Pat Murphy? We do have two small changes at the bottom where Sal Frelick gets into the starting nine over Andrew Vaugh, and then we’ll also see David Hamilton take over at shortstop for Joey Ortiz.

Will the Las Vegas heat cause another homer galore tonight? Will J.T. Ginn be able to keep the ball in the ballpark? How many long balls get hit tonight? And most importantly, can the Athletics bounce back and get a win? Let’s go A’s!

Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA

Listen:
Athletics – Talk 650 KSTE, A’s Cast